31 Oct Orthognathic Surgery – what you NEED to know

Some patients may have dentofacial deformities creating functional and aesthetic problems that can benefit from orthodontics and oral and maxillofacial surgery.

Dentofacial deformities are common problems that are sometimes difficult to identify. Patients with deformity may have difficulty eating and talking, and may have psycho-social problems as well. The ability of the prosthodontist to identify these deformities may provide the patient with an opportunity to improve his quality of life.

Corrective treatment often involves the general dentist, orthodontist, prosthodontist, and oral maxillofacial surgeon, as well as other healthcare providers.

Imbalances in the jaw alignment may cause functional and aesthetic deformities as well as myofascial pain of the face, jaws, head, neck, shoulders, and back. Also, hearing in earaches are common symptoms. Temporomandibular joint dysfunction may occur separately or in conjunction with a muscular skeletal deformity of the jaws.

Patients with jaw deformities are best evaluated and managed by a team effort usually coordinated by the oral and maxillofacial surgeon, prosthodontist and orthodontist.